Hot SourceLagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has disclosed that flooding incidents across the state have displaced more than 3,000 residents and affected over 6,000 others between January and October 2025.
The governor made the disclosure while calling for stronger partnerships to implement flood-resilient solutions that protect lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure from the growing impacts of climate change.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, spoke on Monday during the commemoration of World Habitat Day 2025 in Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking on the year’s theme, “Urban Crisis Response: Flooding in Focus,” he acknowledged the unique challenges Lagos faces as a coastal megacity and emphasises the urgency of decisive action.
“As an aquatic state, flooding remains one of the biggest environmental threats confronting Lagos. It has the capacity to cause widespread damage to lives and property,” he said.
According to him, more than 57,000 residents have been impacted by flooding in 2025, with over 3,000 people displaced and numerous homes destroyed. He noted that the state government has adopted proactive and integrated measures to mitigate these impacts.
The governor highlighted key components of the state’s urban development strategy, which include sustainable land use planning, construction of resilient infrastructure, expansion of affordable housing, promotion of green spaces, and comprehensive climate change adaptation initiatives.
He identified the Lagos State Resilience Office, LASRO, as the central coordinating body driving these efforts under the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Agenda.
“Emergency response alone is not enough. Building a truly resilient Lagos requires early warning systems, efficient drainage networks, and strong collaboration with federal agencies, humanitarian organizations, and local communities,” Sanwo-Olu added.
He also encouraged private investors, development partners, and innovators to support the state’s flood resilience agenda through initiatives such as mangrove restoration, flood-resilient housing, smart drainage systems, renewable energy, and urban risk insurance. He cited existing partnerships with organizations like the Dangote Group as examples of productive collaborations.
